Amended net metering solar energy policy bill passes House, goes back to the Senate

On Friday morning, legislation seeking to update Kentucky’s private net metering policy to ensure costs remain fair for all energy consumers passed the state House with an amendment that significantly changed the bill, sending the bill back to the Senate and then likely to conference committee to work on an agreement.

Current law requires utility companies to credit private net metering energy customers, such as those with rooftop solar, for electricity they generate at a rate that’s higher than utilities pay for other energy sources.

Senate Bill 100, sponsored by Senate Natural Resources and Energy Committee Brandon Smith, would continue to require the utility to take excess power generated by private net metering customers but would ensure all customers pay their fair share of utility service by authorizing the Public Service Commission (PSC) to determine the value of excess electricity. The PSC regulates retail electric service throughout most of the state.

The amended version of Senate Bill 100 that passed the House on Friday included provisions considered unfriendly by House Natural Resources and Energy Committee Chair Jim Gooch, based on the significant, negative changes to the bill.
Representative Heath spoke on the floor amendments in general stating that the electric cooperative opposed all amendments filed on the bill.

Senate Bill 100 now goes back to the Senate where they will vote to either concur with the changes or send the legislation to conference committee.